A BASINGSTOKE mother has started a class for parents to 'explore the therapeutic magic of singing' with their baby.

Anna Ter Haar has started a weekly group called Mamacanta, described as a singing collective for perinatal mothers and their babies.

The mother of two said she grew up singing in choirs and playing in county orchestras, describing music as a 'central part' of her life, which prompted her to train as a music therapist.

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(Image: Anna Ter Haar)

She said: "Since becoming a mother, I've found singing to be such a natural and joyful way to connect with, soothe and have fun with my little ones."

Anna said that whilst she loved attending baby classes, she was looking for a 'more active space that would allow her to reconnect with herself'.

"Everyone can sing, no matter how much we protest, meaning it's one of the most accessible forms of music making," she continued.

The weekly class, which is held at Proteus Theatre in Basingstoke every Tuesday from 9.30am to 10.45am, 'welcomes everyone regardless of musical background'.

Anna describes Mamacanta as a 'baby class for mums' as it has 'vast mental and physical health benefits' from helping to combat loneliness, bonding babies with their mothers and improving speech and posture.

She concluded: "My vision of the space is that it can be a place for mothers to connect with their babies as well as other mothers, and importantly, with themselves.

"And it's through the powerful, universally accessible act of singing."

For more information on Mamacanta, or to attend the classes, visit happity.co.uk/mamacanta